Apologetics
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Calvinism vs. Arminianism
Hello Kelly,
The very fact that we reside in a fallen creation (that was once in perfect order but is now far less) testifies to the existence of free will. When Lucifer rebelled against God (and ultimately resulted in the mess we have here on the Earth), God could have surely stopped him. Rebellion was not in God's perfect will. Neither was the resultant fall of mankind by Eve and then Adam in the Garden of Eden. Lucifer's rebellion was a matter of autonomous free will that resulted in one of God's choice servants being banished from Heaven and 1/3rd of Heaven's angels following him and thus being cast out. Where did that free will come from? It came from God which indicates that it was originally good, perfect. But true to what the Scriptures indicate, all Satan can do is attempt to twist and pervert what God has made perfectly. The point is that from Scripture we see that free will existed in eternity past in Heaven, it exists today, and it will absolutely exist until after the Millennium and possibly into eternity future.
Two notes: First, in the midst of this tumultuous uprising by his created creatures God remained completely in control, with a plan and 100% sovereignty. This is a fact that my little finite brain has trouble grasping yet I believe it completely.
Second, I do not believe that the Scripture teaches in any way that God promulgates evil. Allowing it because of the free will choices of His created beings cannot be construed as producing it. Plus, we see that God is already rectifying the result of Lucifer's rebellion and that of Adam and Eve. The cross, the resurrection, and eternity as spelled out in Revelation speak directly to this. We know how it ends up for Satan. Revelation 20:10 states: "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."
Limited Atonement - says that Christ's sacrifice was only for the predestined elect and that some individuals are doomed and without any hope of being redeemed by faith/grace. While millions will ignore and thus reject Christ's atoning work, the Scripture says that "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." (I John 2:2) This doesn't endorse universalism or mean that everyone will be saved but it points to the great truth that Jesus' perfect and finished work made it possible that each individual could then be saved. It doesn't mean they will be saved but that the price (redemption) has been paid.
I personally cannot ignore the words of Peter which tell us that God wishes, or as is said in the King James Version is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (II Peter 3:9)
If God truly does not wish that any perish then how could limited atonement exist? Because of Christ's death and resurrection atonement has been made and is complete for anyone and everyone - if they choose Jesus as Savior and then follow through another act of free will and repent of their sins. This is reflected in the very capstone verse of the entire Bible. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
Salvation is open to "whosoever believeth in Him." I don't see any conditions there. Praise God!
You asked if Calvinism was from God or made up by men...I believe we can probably say that the divergent views expressed in Christian churches today that were popularized by John Wesley (who held to part of the teachings of the scholar Arminian from the 16th century) and John Calvin about the sovereignty of man and eternal security is the work of two brilliant Christians who saw and then emphasized opposite views on this issue. Thankfully for all who followed their teaching, both Wesley and Calvin taught vigorously that Jesus Christ is the answer and that His blood paid the penalty of the sins of all those who would place their trust in Him and that His resurrection triumphed over the grave. Praise the Lord!
What about me? Personally I have no problem preaching and ministering in a Calvinist or Puritan church...or in a Nazarene or to an Assemblies of God congregation. I teach no peripheral or non-essential doctrine along these lines in my apologetics seminars which would segregate me from those in either camp. Others may feel differently. Personally, I don't. After all, it is the Cross of Christ and His precious blood that saves us - not our belief on what comes down to an issue related to the sovereignty of man.
So, even though there is much more that could be said on this topic, there is a rather long answer for you but I do hope that it helps you sort out and also recognize the two main beliefs within the bounds of Christianity on this issue.
Let me know if I can be of any further help.
God Bless you!
Eric
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